U.S. patent application number 15/768200 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-01 for label creation apparatus and control method in label creation apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Seiko Epson Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Seiko Epson Corporation. Invention is credited to Shinsaku KOSUGE.
Application Number | 20180311977 15/768200 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58518046 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180311977 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOSUGE; Shinsaku |
November 1, 2018 |
LABEL CREATION APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD IN LABEL CREATION
APPARATUS
Abstract
A label creation apparatus includes a control unit that
controls, at a time of continuously creating a plurality of labels
by a label creation unit, the label creation unit to resume the
creation of the labels from an n-th label when determining a
tape-end state in which a tape end of the tape has passed through a
printing position based on a detection result of a detection unit
in a tape-end detection period for the n-th label, the tape-end
detection period for the n-th label indicating a period from a
point at which an (n-1)-th label has been determined to be
completed to a point at which the n-th label has been determined to
be completed.
Inventors: |
KOSUGE; Shinsaku; (Nagano,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Seiko Epson Corporation |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Seiko Epson Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
58518046 |
Appl. No.: |
15/768200 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
September 16, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2016/077554 |
371 Date: |
April 13, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B26D 3/085 20130101;
B26D 1/08 20130101; B41J 11/703 20130101; B41J 11/0095 20130101;
B26D 1/085 20130101; B26D 2001/0066 20130101; B41J 3/4075 20130101;
B41J 11/42 20130101; B26D 11/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B41J 11/00 20060101
B41J011/00; B41J 3/407 20060101 B41J003/407; B41J 11/42 20060101
B41J011/42 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 16, 2015 |
JP |
2015-204816 |
Claims
1. A label creation apparatus that performs printing on a tape to
create a label, the label creation apparatus comprising: a label
creation unit having a print head and a driving unit, the print
head performing printing on the tape at a printing position on a
feeding path for the tape, the driving unit driving a platen roller
that feeds the tape sandwiched between the print head and the
platen roller at the printing position and a feeding unit that
feeds the tape on a downstream side of the printing position on the
feeding path; a detection unit that detects presence or absence of
the tape at a detection position on the downstream side of the
printing position on the feeding path; and a control unit that
controls, at a time of continuously creating a plurality of the
labels by the label creation unit, the label creation unit to
resume the creation of the labels from an n-th label when
determining a tape-end state in which a tape end of the tape has
passed through the printing position based on a detection result of
the detection unit in a tape-end detection period for the n-th
label, the tape-end detection period for the n-th label indicating
a period from a point at which an (n-1)-th label has been
determined to be completed to a point at which the n-th label has
been determined to be completed, wherein the control unit
determines that the n-th label has been completed when the driving
unit operates by a prescribed amount after an end of an operation
of creating the n-th label by the label creation unit.
2. The label creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
control unit determines that the tape has been put into the
tape-end state when the absence of the tape is detected by the
detection unit, and the control unit determines that the n-th label
has been completed at a point at which the driving unit operates by
at least an amount corresponding to a distance between the printing
position and the detection position to feed the tape after an end
of a printing operation on the n-th label by the print head.
3. The label creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
label creation unit further has a half cutter that forms cut lines
on a surface layer of the tape at a position on the downstream side
of the printing position on the feeding path, the half cutter
performs a half-cut operation on the n-th label at the time of
continuously creating the plurality of the labels, the half-cut
operation on the n-th label indicating an operation of forming the
cut lines on the surface layer of the tape at a boundary between
the n-th label and an (n+1)-th label, the control unit determines
that the tape has been put into the tape-end state when the absence
of the tape is detected by the detection unit, and the control unit
determines that the n-th label has been completed at a point at
which the driving unit operates by at least an amount corresponding
to a distance between the printing position and the detection
position to feed the tape after an end of the half-cut operation on
the n-th label.
4. The label creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
label creation unit further has a full cutter that cuts off the
tape at a full-cut position between the printing position and the
detection position on the feeding path, the full cutter performs a
full-cut operation on the n-th label at the time of continuously
creating the plurality of the labels, the full-cut operation on the
n-th label indicating an operation of cutting off the tape at a
boundary between the n-th label and an (n+1)-th label, the control
unit determines that the tape has been put into the tape-end state
when the presence of the tape is not detected by the detection unit
at a point at which the driving unit operates by at least an amount
corresponding to a distance between the full-cut position and the
detection position to feed the tape after an end of the full-cut
operation on the n-th label, and the control unit determines that
the n-th label has been completed at a point at which the presence
of the tape is detected by the detection unit until the driving
unit operates by at least the amount corresponding to the distance
between the full-cut position and the detection position to feed
the tape after the end of the full-cut operation on the n-th
label.
5. The label creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
feeding unit has a pair of rollers that feeds the sandwiched tape,
and the detection unit detects the presence or absence of the tape
between the pair of rollers.
6. A control method in a label creation apparatus that performs
printing on a tape to create a label, the label creation apparatus
including a label creation unit having a print head and a driving
unit, the print head performing printing on the tape at a printing
position on a feeding path for the tape, the driving unit driving a
platen roller that feeds the tape sandwiched between the print head
and the platen roller at the printing position and a feeding unit
that feeds the tape on a downstream side of the printing position
on the feeding path, and a detection unit that detects presence or
absence of the tape at a detection position on the downstream side
of the printing position on the feeding path, the control method
performing: a step of determining whether the tape has been put
into a tape-end state based on a detection result of the detection
unit in a tape-end detection period for an n-th label at a time of
continuously creating a plurality of the labels by the label
creation unit, the tape-end detection period for the n-th label
indicating a period from a point at which an (n-1)-th label has
been determined to be completed to a point at which the n-th label
has been determined to be completed; a step of resuming the
creation of the labels from the n-th label when the tape has been
determined to be put into the tape-end state in the tape-end
detection period for the n-th label; and a step of determining that
the n-th label has been completed when the driving unit operates by
a prescribed amount after an end of an operation of creating the
n-th label by the label creation unit.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a label creation apparatus
that performs printing on a tape to create a label and a control
method in the label creation apparatus.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a thermal printer
including a thermal head, a platen, a sheet cutter provided on the
downstream side of the thermal head, a reflective optical sensor
provided at a position facing the tip end of the sheet cutter, and
a warning buzzer. At the time of starting printing, the thermal
printer reverses the platen to perform back feed by a prescribed
amount so that the tip end of a print sheet comes to a printing
position. If the print sheet is not detected by the reflective
optical sensor before performing the back feed, the thermal printer
rings the warning buzzer. In the way described above, the thermal
printer prevents idle printing (see Patent Document 1).
[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP-U-63-106646
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present inventor has found out the following
problems.
[0005] When a tape has been put into a "tape-end" state in which
the end of the tape has passed through a print head (printing
position) in the middle of the operation of creating the n-th label
at the time of continuously creating a plurality of labels in a
label creation apparatus, the n-th label becomes imperfect. In view
of this, it is assumed that the label creation apparatus includes a
detection unit to detect the presence or absence of the tape at a
detection position on the downstream side of the printing position,
and that the creation of the labels is resumed from the n-th label
after the replacement of the tape when the absence of the tape is
detected at the detection position in the middle of the operation
of creating the n-th label. However, even in this way, the absence
of the tape is detected at the detection position in the middle of
the operation of creating the (n+1)-th label rather than being
detected in the middle of the operation of creating the n-th label
when the end of the tape has passed through the printing position
but has not passed through the detection position at a point at
which the operation of creating the n-th label is ended. In this
case, the label creating apparatus resumes the creation of the
labels from the (n+1)-th label rather than resuming the creation of
the labels from n-th label. Therefore, the n-th label is not
created again even if the n-th label becomes imperfect due to the
tape put into the tape-end state in the middle of the operation of
creating the n-th label.
[0006] The present invention has an object of providing a label
creation apparatus and a control method in the label creation
apparatus capable of creating the n-th label again when the n-th
label becomes imperfect due to a tape put into a tape-end state in
the middle of the operation of creating the n-th label.
[0007] The present invention provides a label creation apparatus
that performs printing on a tape to create a label, the label
creation apparatus including: a label creation unit having a print
head and a driving unit, the print head performing printing on the
tape at a printing position on a feeding path for the tape, the
driving unit driving a platen roller that feeds the tape sandwiched
between the print head and the platen roller at the printing
position and a feeding unit that feeds the tape on a downstream
side of the printing position on the feeding path; a detection unit
that detects presence or absence of the tape at a detection
position on the downstream side of the printing position on the
feeding path; and a control unit that controls, at a time of
continuously creating a plurality of the labels by the label
creation unit, the label creation unit to resume the creation of
the labels from an n-th label when determining a tape-end state in
which a tape end of the tape has passed through the printing
position based on a detection result of the detection unit in a
tape-end detection period for the n-th label, the tape-end
detection period for the n-th label indicating a period from a
point at which an (n-1)-th label has been determined to be
completed to a point at which the n-th label has been determined to
be completed, wherein the control unit determines that the n-th
label has been completed when the driving unit operates by a
prescribed amount after an end of an operation of creating the n-th
label by the label creation unit.
[0008] The present invention provides a control method in a label
creation apparatus that performs printing on a tape to create a
label, the label creation apparatus including a label creation unit
having a print head and a driving unit, the print head performing
printing on the tape at a printing position on a feeding path for
the tape, the driving unit driving a platen roller that feeds the
tape sandwiched between the print head and the platen roller at the
printing position and a feeding unit that feeds the tape on a
downstream side of the printing position on the feeding path, and a
detection unit that detects presence or absence of the tape at a
detection position on the downstream side of the printing position
on the feeding path, the control method performing: a step of
determining whether the tape has been put into a tape-end state
based on a detection result of the detection unit in a tape-end
detection period for an n-th label at a time of continuously
creating a plurality of the labels by the label creation unit, the
tape-end detection period for the n-th label indicating a period
from a point at which an (n-1)-th label has been determined to be
completed to a point at which the n-th label has been determined to
be completed; a step of resuming the creation of the labels from
the n-th label when the tape has been determined to be put into the
tape-end state in the tape-end detection period for the n-th label;
and a step of determining that the n-th label has been completed
when the driving unit operates by a prescribed amount after an end
of an operation of creating the n-th label by the label creation
unit.
[0009] According to the configuration, even when the tape has been
put into the tape-end state but has not determined to be put into
the tape-end state at a point at which the operation of creating
the n-th label is ended, it can be determined that the tape has
been put into the tape-end state until the driving unit operates by
a prescribed amount, i.e., before the n-th label has been
determined to be completed. As a result, the creation of the labels
is resumed from the n-th label. Thus, according to the
configuration, the n-th label can be created again when the n-th
label becomes imperfect due to the tape put into the tape-end state
in the middle of the operation of creating the n-th label.
[0010] In the label creation apparatus, the control unit preferably
determines that the tape has been put into the tape-end state when
the absence of the tape is detected by the detection unit, and the
control unit preferably determines that the n-th label has been
completed at a point at which the driving unit operates by at least
an amount corresponding to a distance between the printing position
and the detection position to feed the tape after an end of a
printing operation on the n-th label by the print head.
[0011] According to the configuration, when the tape end has not
pass through the detection position but has passed through the
printing position at a point at which the printing operation on the
n-th label by the print head is ended, the tape end passes through
the detection position until the driving unit operates by the
amount corresponding to the distance between the printing position
and the detection position, i.e., before it is determined by the
control unit that the n-th label has been completed. Therefore, it
is determined by the control unit that the tape has been put into
the tape-end state in the tape-end detection period for the n-th
label. As a result, the creation of the labels is resumed from the
n-th label. Thus, according to the configuration, the n-th label L
can be created again when an error that printing on the n-th label
becomes imperfect occurs in the n-th label because the tape end has
passed through the printing position in the middle of the printing
operation on the n-th label.
[0012] In this case, the label creation unit preferably further has
a half cutter that forms cut lines on a surface layer of the tape
at a position on the downstream side of the printing position on
the feeding path, the half cutter preferably performs a half-cut
operation on the n-th label at the time of continuously creating
the plurality of the labels, the half-cut operation on the n-th
label indicating an operation of forming the cut lines on the
surface layer of the tape at a boundary between the n-th label and
an (n+1)-th label, the control unit preferably determines that the
tape has been put into the tape-end state when the absence of the
tape is detected by the detection unit, and the control unit
preferably determines that the n-th label has been completed at a
point at which the driving unit operates by at least an amount
corresponding to a distance between the printing position and the
detection position to feed the tape after an end of the half-cut
operation on the n-th label.
[0013] According to the configuration, when the tape end has not
passed through the detection position but has passed through the
printing position at a point at which the half-cut operation on the
n-th label by the half cutter is ended, the tape end passes through
the detection position until the driving unit operates by the
amount corresponding to the distance between the printing position
and the detection position to feed the tape, i.e., before it is
determined by the control unit that the n-th label has been
completed. Therefore, it is determined by the control unit that the
tape has been put into the tape-end state in the tape-end detection
period for the n-th label. As a result, the creation of the labels
is resumed from the n-th label. Thus, according to the
configuration, the n-th label L can be created again when an error
that the deviation of cutting lines or the like occurs in the n-th
label because the tape end has passed through the printing position
until the half-cut operation on the n-th label is performed since
the end of the printing operation on the n-th label.
[0014] In this case, the label creation unit preferably further has
a full cutter that cuts off the tape at a full-cut position between
the printing position and the detection position on the feeding
path, the full cutter preferably performs a full-cut operation on
the n-th label at the time of continuously creating the plurality
of the labels, the full-cut operation on the n-th label indicating
an operation of cutting off the tape at a boundary between the n-th
label and an (n+1)-th label, the control unit preferably determines
that the tape has been put into the tape-end state when the
presence of the tape is not detected by the detection unit at a
point at which the driving unit operates by at least an amount
corresponding to a distance between the full-cut position and the
detection position to feed the tape after an end of the full-cut
operation on the n-th label, and the control unit preferably
determines that the n-th label has been completed at a point at
which the presence of the tape is detected by the detection unit
until the driving unit operates by at least the amount
corresponding to the distance between the full-cut position and the
detection position to feed the tape after the end of the full-cut
operation on the n-th label.
[0015] According to the configuration, when the tape end has not
passed through the detection position but has passed through the
printing position at a point at which the full-cut operation on the
n-th label by the full cutter is ended, the (n+1)-th label is not
fed even if the driving unit operates by the amount corresponding
to the distance between the full-cut position and the detection
position. Therefore, the presence of the tape is not detected by
the detection unit. Thus, it is determined by the control unit that
the tape has been put into the tape-end state before it is
determined by that control unit that the n-th label has been
completed, i.e., in the tape-end detection period for the n-th
label. As a result, the creation of the labels is resumed from the
n-th label. Thus, according to the configuration, the n-th label L
can be created again when an error that the deviation of a cutting
part by the full cutter or the like occurs in the n-th label
because the tape end has passed through the printing position until
the full-cut operation on the n-th label is performed since the end
of the printing operation on the n-th label.
[0016] In this case, the feeding unit preferably has a pair of
rollers that feeds the sandwiched tape, and the detection unit
preferably detects the presence or absence of the tape between the
pair of rollers.
[0017] According to the configuration, the feeding unit and the
detection unit are not required to be arranged side by side in a
line along the feeding path on which the tape is to be fed.
Therefore, the feeding path can be shortened, and space efficiency
can be improved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a label creation apparatus
according an embodiment of the present invention, a tape cartridge
to be loaded into the label creation apparatus, and an information
processing apparatus connected to the label creation apparatus.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a label creation unit
of the label creation apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a pair of rollers of the label
creation unit shown in FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the pair of rollers of the
label creation unit shown in FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 4A is a diagram for describing continuous printing
performed by the label creation apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 4A.
[0024] FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 4B in the
case of continuous printing without cutting.
[0025] FIG. 4D is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 4B in the
case of half-cut continuous printing.
[0026] FIG. 4E is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 4D.
[0027] FIG. 4F is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 4B in the
case of full-cut continuous printing.
[0028] FIG. 4G is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 4F.
[0029] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing contents displayed by the
information processing apparatus during continuous printing.
[0030] FIG. 5B is a diagram showing contents displayed by the
information processing apparatus during the continuous
printing.
[0031] FIG. 5C is a diagram showing contents displayed by the
information processing apparatus during the continuous
printing.
[0032] FIG. 6A is a diagram for describing a comparative example of
tape-end detection control during the continuous printing without
cutting.
[0033] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 6A.
[0034] FIG. 6C is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 6B.
[0035] FIG. 6D is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 6C.
[0036] FIG. 7A is a diagram for describing an embodiment of the
tape-end detection control during the continuous printing without
cutting.
[0037] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 7A.
[0038] FIG. 7C is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 7B.
[0039] FIG. 7D is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 7C.
[0040] FIG. 8A is a diagram for describing a comparative example of
the tape-end detection control during the half-cut continuous
printing.
[0041] FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 8A.
[0042] FIG. 8C is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 8B.
[0043] FIG. 8D is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 8C.
[0044] FIG. 9A is a diagram for describing an embodiment of the
tape-end detection control during the half-cut continuous
printing.
[0045] FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 9A.
[0046] FIG. 9C is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 9B.
[0047] FIG. 9D is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 9C.
[0048] FIG. 10A is a diagram for describing a comparative example
of the tape-end detection control during the full-cut continuous
printing.
[0049] FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 10A.
[0050] FIG. 10C is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 10B.
[0051] FIG. 10D is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 10C.
[0052] FIG. 11A is a diagram for describing an embodiment of the
tape-end detection control during the full-cut continuous
printing.
[0053] FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 11A.
[0054] FIG. 11C is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 11B.
[0055] FIG. 11D is a diagram showing a step after FIG. 11C.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0056] Hereinafter a description will be given, with reference to
the accompanying drawings, a label creation apparatus 1 according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] A description will be given, with reference to FIG. 1, of
the label creation apparatus 1, a tape cartridge 2 to be loaded
into the label creation apparatus 1, and an information processing
apparatus 3 communicably connected to the label creation apparatus
1.
[0058] The information processing apparatus 3 is, for example, a
general-purpose personal computer. The information processing
apparatus 3 includes a PC body 31, an operation unit 32, and a
display unit 33. The PC body 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing
Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and
a hard disk drive. In the PC body 31, application software adapted
to the label creation apparatus 1 is installed. The operation unit
32 includes a keyboard and a mouse. The operation unit 32 receives
the input/edit operations or the like of character strings that are
to be printed by the label creation apparatus 1. The display unit
33 displays character strings, various messages, or the like that
are being input/edited. The information processing apparatus 3
transmits various commands and various data to the label creation
apparatus 1 based on the input/edit operations or the like of
character strings received by the operation unit 32.
[0059] The label creation apparatus 1 performs printing on a tape
21 to create a label L (see FIG. 4B) based on various commands and
various data transmitted from the information processing apparatus
3. The label creation apparatus 1 includes an opening/closing lid
11, a cartridge loading part 12, and a tape ejection port 13.
Although omitted in FIG. 1, the label creation apparatus 1 includes
a detection unit 14 and a control unit 15 (see FIG. 2). In
addition, the label creation apparatus 1 includes a label creation
unit 16 (see FIG. 2), but FIG. 1 shows only some constituents (such
as a print head 161).
[0060] Note that the label creation apparatus 1 includes an
operation panel 17 that functions like the operation unit 32 of the
information processing apparatus 3 and a display 18 that functions
like the display unit 33 of the information processing apparatus 3.
Therefore, the label creation apparatus 1 is capable of creating
the label L even in a standalone configuration in which the label
creation apparatus 1 is not connected to the information processing
apparatus 3.
[0061] The opening/closing lid 11 opens/closes the cartridge
loading part 12. The tape cartridge 2 is attachably/detachably
loaded into the cartridge loading part 12. In the cartridge loading
part 12, the print head 161, a platen driving shaft 162, and a
winding driving shaft 163 that will be described later are
provided.
[0062] The tape ejection port 13 is a place at which the printed
tape 21 fed from the tape cartridge 2 loaded into the cartridge
loading part 12 is to be ejected.
[0063] The tape cartridge 2 includes the tape 21, a tape core 22,
an ink ribbon 23, a ribbon feeding core 24, a ribbon winding core
25, a platen roller 26, and a cartridge case 27 that accommodates
these constituents. The cartridge case 27 is provided with a tape
delivering port 28.
[0064] The tape 21 includes a print tape 211 and a release tape
212. Printing is performed on one of the front and rear surfaces of
the print tape 211. The other of the front and rear surfaces of the
print tape 211 is coated with an adhesive, and the release tape 212
is releasably affixed to the print tape 211 via the adhesive. The
tape 21 is feedably wound on the tape core 22. The tape 21 fed from
the tape core 22 is delivered from the tape delivering port 28 to
the outside of the cartridge case 27.
[0065] On the ribbon feeding core 24, the ink ribbon 23 is feedably
wound. The ink ribbon 23 fed from the ribbon feeding core 24 is
wound by the ribbon winding core 25. The ribbon winding core 25
engages the winding driving shaft 163 in a state in which the tape
cartridge 2 is loaded into the cartridge loading part 12.
[0066] The platen roller 26 engages the platen driving shaft 162 in
a state in which the tape cartridge 2 is loaded into the cartridge
loading part 12. In this state, the platen roller 26 sandwiches the
tape 21 and the ink ribbon 23 between the print head 161 and the
platen roller 26.
[0067] A description will be given, with reference to FIG. 2, of
the label creation unit 16, the detection unit 14, and the control
unit 15. The label creation unit 16 includes the print head 161,
the platen driving shaft 162, the winding driving shaft 163, a pair
of rollers 164, a feeding motor 165, a gear train 166, a full
cutter 167, a half cutter 168, and a cutter motor 169.
[0068] The print head 161 and the platen driving shaft 162, the
full cutter 167, the half cutter 168, and the pair of rollers 164
are provided in this order from an upstream side along a feeding
path 19 of the tape 21.
[0069] The print head 161 performs printing on the tape 21
sandwiched together with the ink ribbon 23 between the platen
roller 26 and the print head 161. That is, the ink of the ink
ribbon 23 is transferred onto the tape 21 by heat applied from the
print head 161 to the ink ribbon 23 to perform printing on the tape
21.
[0070] The platen driving shaft 162 is provided at a position
facing the print head 161 across the feeding path 19 through which
the tape 21 is to be fed. The platen driving shaft 162 engages the
platen roller 26 in a state in which the tape cartridge 2 is loaded
into the cartridge loading part 12. The platen driving shaft 162
rotates with the feeding motor 165 as a driving source. When the
platen driving shaft 162 rotates, the platen roller 26 engaging the
platen driving shaft 162 also rotates. Thus, the tape 21 and the
ink ribbon 23 sandwiched between the platen roller 26 and the print
head 161 are fed.
[0071] The winding driving shaft 163 engages the ribbon winding
core 25 in a state in which the tape cartridge 2 is loaded into the
cartridge loading part 12. The winding driving shaft 163 rotates
with the feeding motor 165 as a driving source. When the winding
driving shaft 163 rotates, the ribbon winding core 25 engaging the
winding driving shaft 163 also rotates. Thus, the ink ribbon 23 is
wound by the ribbon winding core 25.
[0072] The pair of rollers 164 rotates with the feeding motor 165
as a driving source. Thus, the pair of rollers 164 ejects the
sandwiched tape 21 toward the tape ejection port 13.
[0073] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each of rollers 1641
constituting the pair of rollers 164 includes a roller body 1642
and a gear-shaped rotation body 1643. The rotation body 1643 is a
member for detecting the presence or absence of the tape 21 between
the pair of rollers 164 with the detection unit 14. The rotation
body 1643 is rotatably provided about an axis common to the roller
body 1642. In addition, the rotation body 1643 incorporated in one
of the rollers is separably provided with respect to the rotation
body 1643 incorporated in the other of the rollers. That is, one of
the rotation bodies 1643 engages the other of the rotation bodies
1643 in a state in which the tape 21 is absent between the pair of
rollers 164 (see FIG. 3A). One of the rotation bodies 1643
disengages and separates from the other of the rotation bodies 1643
in a state in which the tape 21 is present between the pair of
rollers 164 (see FIG. 3B).
[0074] Referring back to FIG. 2, a description will be given again.
The feeding motor 165 is a driving source for the platen driving
shaft 162, the winding driving shaft 163, and the pair of rollers
164. The feeding motor 165 is a stepping motor. The gear train 166
transmits the power of the feeding motor 165 to the platen driving
shaft 162, the winding driving shaft 163, and the pair of rollers
164. That is, the gear train 166 branches off from the feeding
motor 165 to the platen driving shaft 162, the winding driving
shaft 163, and the pair of rollers 164. Thus, the platen driving
shaft 162, the winding driving shaft 163, and the pair of rollers
164 rotate in conjunction with each other.
[0075] Here, if the peripheral speed of the pair of rollers 164 is
slower than that of the platen roller 26, the tape 21 is bent
between the platen roller 26 and the pair of rollers 164, which
causes a factor responsible for jamming or the like. Therefore, the
reduction gear ratio of the gear train 166 is so designed that the
peripheral speed of the pair of rollers 164 becomes, for example,
1.2 times as fast as that of the platen roller 26. Further, a
clutch mechanism 1661 is incorporated in the middle of the gear
train 166 branching off toward the pair of rollers 164. The clutch
mechanism 1661 is, for example, a torque limiter. The clutch
mechanism 1661 absorbs a difference in the peripheral speed between
the pair of rollers 164 and the platen roller 26. That is, when the
tape 21 is fed in a state of extending between the platen roller 26
and the pair of rollers 164, the pair of rollers 164 rotates at the
same peripheral speed as that of the platen roller 26 in such a
manner that the clutch mechanism 1661 slides. On the other hand,
when the tape 21 is fed only by the pair of rollers 164, the clutch
mechanism 1661 does not slide and the pair of rollers 164 rotates
at a peripheral speed faster than that of the platen roller 26.
Accordingly, the tape 21 is fed faster when fed only by the pair of
rollers 164, compared with a case in which the tape 21 is fed in a
state of extending between the platen roller 26 and the pair of
rollers 164.
[0076] The full cutter 167 performs a full-cut operation with the
cutter motor 169 as a driving source. Thus, the full cutter 167
cuts off the tape 21. That is, the full cutter 167 cuts off both
the print tape 211 and the release tape 212. The half cutter 168
performs a half-cut operation with the cutter motor 169 as a
driving source. Thus, the half cutter 168 cuts off only the print
tape 211 without cutting off the release tape 212 to form cut lines
on the surface layer (the surface on the side of the print tape
211) of the tape 21. Note that the half cutter 168 may be
configured to cut off the release tape 212 without cutting off the
print tape 211 to form cut lines on the surface layer (the surface
on the side of the release tape 212) of the tape 21. In the
following description, the cut lines formed on the surface layer of
the tape 21 will be called half-cut lines H (see FIG. 4D). The
cutter motor 169 is a driving source for the full cutter 167 and
the half cutter 168.
[0077] Note that a position at which printing is to be performed on
the tape 21 by the print head 161, i.e., a position at which the
tape 21 and the ink ribbon 23 are to be sandwiched by the print
head 161 and the platen roller 26 on the feeding path 19 will be
called a printing position P1. A position at which the tape 21 is
to be cut off by the full cutter 167 on the feeding path 19 will be
called a full-cut position P2. A position at which the half-cut
lines H are to be formed on the tape 21 by the half cutter 168 on
the feeding path 19 will be called a half-cut position P3. A
position at which the presence or absence of the tape 21 is to be
detected by the detection unit 14, i.e., a position at which the
tape 21 is to be sandwiched by the pair of rollers 164 on the
feeding path 19 will be called a detection position P4. As a
positional relationship between positions from the printing
position P1 to the detection position P4, the printing position P1,
the full-cut position P2, the half-cut position P3, and the
detection position P4 are set in this order from the upstream side
of the feeding path 19.
[0078] The detection unit 14 detects the presence or absence of the
tape 21 between the pair of rollers 164, i.e., at the detection
position P4. That is, the detection unit 14 detects whether the
rotation body 1643 incorporated in one of the rollers 1641 is
separated from the rotation body 1643 incorporated in the other of
the rollers 1641 to detect the presence or absence of the tape 21
between the pair of rollers 164.
[0079] The control unit 15 transmits and receives various commands
and various data to and from the information processing apparatus 3
and controls each of the units of the label creation apparatus 1
based on the received various commands and the various data. The
control unit 15 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU runs
various programs stored in the ROM using the RAM to perform various
processing.
[0080] A description will be given, with reference to FIGS. 4A to
4G, of continuous printing to be performed by the label creation
apparatus 1. The continuous printing is processing for continuously
creating a plurality of labels L. Note that the character strings
of the plurality of labels L continuously printed may be, for
example, the same strings such as "ABC," "ABC," and "ABC" or
strings having sequential numbers such as "No. 1," "No. 2," and
"No. 3."
[0081] FIG. 4A shows a state in which the tape 21 has been cut off
by the full cutter 167 in the previous printing processing and the
tip end of the tape 21 has been set at the full-cut position P2.
Upon receiving print data based on a character string input/edited
through the information processing apparatus 3, the number of the
labels L to be continuously printed, and a command for performing
printing, the label creation apparatus 1 starts the continuous
printing.
[0082] In the continuous printing, the label creation apparatus 1
performs the printing on the tape 21 with the print head 161 while
feeding the tape 21 with the platen roller 26. FIG. 4B shows a
state in which a printing operation on the n-th label L has been
completed. Note that in FIG. 4B or the like, the printed part of
the (n-1)-th label L is indicated by a slanted pattern, the printed
part of the n-th label L is indicated by a dot pattern, and the
printed part of the (n+1)-th label L is indicated by solid black
for illustration convenience. In addition, in FIG. 4B or the like,
a suffix n added to a symbol L indicates that a label L is the n-th
one.
[0083] A description will be given of processing after the
completion of the printing operation on the n-th label L for each
of the cases of continuous printing without cutting, half-cut
continuous printing, and full-cut continuous printing.
[0084] In the continuous printing without cutting, as shown in FIG.
4C, the label creation apparatus 1 does not cut off the tape 21 at
the boundary between the n-th label L and the (n+1)-th label L and
does not form the half-cut lines H on the tape 21 at the boundary
between the n-th label L and the (n+1)-th label L. That is, the
label creation apparatus 1 continues to perform the printing on the
(n+1)-th label L without stopping the feeding of the tape 21 even
if the boundary between the n-th label L and the (n+1)-th label L
reaches the full-cut position P2 or the half-cut position P3.
[0085] In the half-cut continuous printing, as shown in FIG. 4D,
the label creation apparatus 1 stops the printing on the (n+1)-th
label L and forms the half-cut lines H on the tape 21 at the
boundary between the n-th label L and the (n+1)-th label L with the
half cutter 168 when the boundary between the n-th label L and the
(n+1)-th label L reaches the half-cut position P3. After that, as
shown in FIG. 4E, the label creation apparatus 1 resumes the
printing on the (n+1)-th label L.
[0086] In the full-cut continuous printing, as shown in FIG. 4F,
the label creation apparatus 1 stops the printing on the (n+1)-th
label L and cuts off the tape 21 at the boundary between the n-th
label L and the (n+1)-th label L with the full cutter 167 when the
boundary between the n-th label L and the (n+1)-th label L reaches
the full-cut position P2. After that, as shown in FIG. 4G, the
label creation apparatus 1 ejects the n-th label L from the tape
ejection port 13 with the pair of rollers 164 and resumes the
printing on the (n+1)-th label L. Note that since the peripheral
speed of the pair of rollers 164 is faster than that of the platen
roller 26 as described above, the n-th label L is fed faster than
the tape 21 in which the printing is being performed on the
(n+1)-th label L.
[0087] A description will be given, with reference to FIGS. 5A to
5C, of contents to be displayed on the display unit 33 by the
information processing apparatus 3 during the continuous printing.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the information processing apparatus 3
displays information as to what number of the labels L is being
printed (created) on the display unit 33 during the continuous
printing. As will be described later, upon receiving the fact that
the tape 21 has been put into a tape-end state and a detected
number from the label creation apparatus 1, the information
processing apparatus 3 displays a message urging the replacement of
the tape cartridge 2 on the display unit 33 as shown in FIG. 5B.
When the indication of an "OK" is pressed by clicking or the like
on the display shown in FIG. 5B after the replacement of the tape
cartridge 2, the information processing apparatus 3 displays a
message inquiring about the resumption (creation) of the printing
on the label L as shown in FIG. 5C. At this time, the information
processing apparatus 3 also displays information as to what number
of the labels L is to be printed again on the display unit 33. When
the indication of "resume printing" is pressed by clicking or the
like on the display shown in FIG. 5C, the information processing
apparatus 3 transmits a command for resuming the printing on the
label L to the control unit 15. Note that the label creation
apparatus 1 may display on the display 18 these messages or the
like displayed on the display unit 33 by the information processing
apparatus 3.
[0088] Subsequently, a description will be given of tape-end
detection control to be performed by the control unit 15 during the
continuous printing. In the tape-end detection control during the
continuous printing, the control unit 15 determines whether a tape
end E of the tape 21 has passed through the printing position P1,
i.e., whether the tape 21 has been put into a tape-end state, based
on a detection result of the detection unit 14.
[0089] Here, during the continuous printing without cutting and the
half-cut continuous printing, it is determined that the tape end E
has passed through the printing position P1 when the absence of the
tape 21 is detected by the detection unit 14 after the detection of
the tip end of the tape 21 by the detection unit 14. Accordingly,
the control unit 15 determines that the tape 21 has been put into
the tape-end state when the absence of the tape 21 is detected by
the detection unit 14 after the detection of the tip end of the
tape 21 by the detection unit 14.
[0090] In the full-cut continuous printing, the control unit 15
determines that the tape 21 has been put into the tape-end state
when the absence of the tape 21 is detected by the detection unit
14 like the continuous printing without cutting and the half-cut
continuous printing until a full-cut operation is performed after
the detection of the tip end of the tape 21 by the detection unit
14. In addition, when the presence of the tape 21 is not detected
by the detection unit 14 even if the feeding motor 165 operates by
a second operation amount that will be described later after the
full-cut operation is performed, it is assumed that the tape end E
has passed through the printing position P1 at a point at which the
full-cut operation is performed. This is because the tape 21 on the
upstream side of the full-cut position P2 cannot be fed any more
even if the feeding motor 165 operates when the tape end E has
passed through the printing position P1 at a point at which the
full-cut operation is performed. Accordingly, the control unit 15
determines that the tape 21 has been put into the tape-end state
when the presence of the tape 21 is not detected by the detection
unit 14 at a point at which the feeding motor 165 operates by the
second operation amount after the full-cut operation is
performed.
[0091] Note that when the presence of the tape 21 is not detected
by the detection unit 14 even if the feeding motor 165 operates by
the second operation amount after the full-cut operation is
performed, the tape end E has not passed through the printing
position P1 at a point at which the full-cut operation is
performed. However, it can also be assumed that the remaining
length of the tape 21 has become shorter than the distance between
the platen roller 26 (printing position P1) and the pair of rollers
164 (detection position P4). This is because the tape 21 is fed
only until the tape end E passes through the printing position P1
even if the feeding motor 165 operates by the second operation
amount after the full-cut operation is performed and thus the tape
21 does not reach the detection position P4.
[0092] Here, the second operation amount refers to the operation
amount (step number) of the feeding motor 165 required to feed the
tape 21 by an amount corresponding to the distance between the
full-cut position P2 and the detection position P4, preferably an
amount corresponding to a distance obtained by adding a slight
distance to the distance between the full-cut position P2 and the
detection position P4 in consideration of the feeding accuracy of
the tape 21. That is, the second operation amount corresponds to
the operation amount of the feeding motor 165 required when the tip
end of the (n+1)-th label L reaches the detection position P4 after
the full-cut operation on the n-th label L is performed. Note that
the full-cut operation on the n-th label L refers to a full-cut
operation for cutting off the tape 21 at the boundary between the
n-th label L and the (n+1)-th label L.
[0093] The control unit 15 controls the label creation unit 16 to
stop the creation of the labels L when determining that the tape 21
has been put into the tape-end state. In addition, the control unit
15 transmits the fact that the tape 21 has been put into the
tape-end state and a detected number to the information processing
apparatus 3 when determining that the tape 21 has been put into the
tape-end state. Note that the detected number is information
indicating which one of the tape end detection periods for the
labels L is regarded as a period in which the tape 21 has been
determined to be put into the tape-end state.
[0094] Here, the control unit 15 starts a tape-end detection period
for the n-th label L when determining that the (n-1)-th label L has
been completed, and ends the tape-end detection period for the n-th
label L when determining that the n-th label L has been completed.
In the respective comparative examples of the tape-end detection
control that will be described later, the control unit 15
determines that the n-th label L has been completed at a point at
which the operation of creating the n-th label L by the label
creation unit 16 is ended. In addition, in the respective
embodiments of the tape-end detection control that will be
described later, the control unit 15 determines that the n-th label
L has been completed when the feeding motor 165 operates by a
prescribed amount after the end of the operation of creating the
n-th label L by the label creation unit 16. Hereinafter, a timing
at which the control unit 15 determines that the n-th label L has
been completed will be described in the order of a comparative
example and an embodiment for each of the cases of the continuous
printing without cutting, the half-cut continuous printing, and the
full-cut continuous printing.
[0095] First, a description will be given of a comparative example
and an embodiment of the tape-end detection control during the
continuous printing without cutting. In the comparative example of
the tape-end detection control during the continuous printing
without cutting, the control unit 15 determines that the n-th label
L has been completed at a point at which the printing operation on
the n-th label is ended. Therefore, the control unit 15 starts a
tape-end detection period for the n-th label L at a point at which
the printing operation on the (n-1)-th label L is ended, and ends
the tape-end detection period for the n-th label L at the point at
which the printing operation on the n-th label L is ended.
[0096] A description will be specifically given, with reference to
FIGS. 6A to 6D, of the comparative example of the tape-end
detection control during the continuous printing without
cutting.
[0097] FIG. 6A shows a state in which the printing operation on the
(n-1)-th label L has been ended. At this point, the control unit 15
determines that the (n-1)-th label L has been completed.
[0098] FIG. 6B shows a state in which the printing operation on the
n-th label L has been ended after the passage of the tape end E
through the printing position P1 in the middle of the printing
operation on the n-th label L. At this point, the control unit 15
determines that the n-th label L has been completed. At this time,
the tape end E has passed through the printing position P1 but has
not passed through the detection position P4. In addition, since
the tape end E has passed through the printing position P1 in the
middle of the printing operation on the n-th label L, an error that
printing on the n-th label L becomes imperfect occurs in the n-th
label L.
[0099] FIG. 6C shows a state in which the tape end E has passed
through the detection position P4 after the end of the printing
operation on the n-th label L. At this time, since the absence of
the tape 21 is detected by the detection unit 14, the control unit
15 determines that the tape 21 has been put into the tape-end
state.
[0100] FIG. 6D shows a state in which the creation of the labels L
has been resumed from the (n+1)-th label L. As described above, the
control unit 15 determines that the tape 21 has been put into the
tape-end state after determining the completion of the n-th label
L, i.e., in the tape-end detection period for the (n+1)-th label L.
As a result, the control unit 15 controls the label creation unit
16 to resume the creation of the labels L from the (n+1)-th label L
when resuming the creation of the labels L.
[0101] As described above, in the comparative example of the
tape-end detection control during the continuous printing without
cutting, it is determined that the tape 21 has been put into the
tape-end state in the tape-end detection period for the (n+1)-th
label L when the tape end E has passed through the printing
position P1 but has not passed through the detection position P4 at
the point at which the printing operation on the n-th label L is
ended. As a result, the creation of the labels L is resumed from
the (n+1)-th label L. Accordingly, in the comparative example, the
n-th label L may not be created again when an error that printing
on the n-th label L becomes imperfect occurs in the n-th label L
because the tape end E has passed through the printing position P1
in the middle of the printing operation on the n-th label L.
[0102] On the other hand, in the embodiment of the tape-end
detection control during the continuous printing without cutting,
the control unit 15 determines that the n-th label L has been
completed at a point at which the feeding motor 165 operates by a
first operation amount after the end of the printing operation on
the n-th label L. Therefore, the control unit 15 starts the
tape-end detection period for the n-th label L at the point at
which the feeding motor 165 operates by the first operation amount
after the end of the printing operation on the (n-1)-th label L,
and ends the tape-end detection period for the n-th label L at a
point at which the feeding motor 165 operates by the first
operation amount after the end of the printing operation on the
n-th label L. Note that the first operation amount refers to the
operation amount (step number) of the feeding motor 165 required to
feed the tape 21 by an amount corresponding to the distance between
the printing position P1 and the detection position P4, preferably
an amount corresponding to a distance obtained by adding a slight
distance to the distance between the printing position P1 and the
detection position P4 in consideration of the feeding accuracy of
the tape 21. That is, the first operation amount corresponds to a
substantial operation amount of the feeding motor 165 required by
the tape end E to reach the detection position P4 when the tape end
E has passed through the printing position P1 but has not reached
the detection position P4 at a point at which the printing
operation is ended.
[0103] A description will be specifically given, with reference to
FIGS. 7A to 7D, of the embodiment of the tape-end detection control
during the continuous printing without cutting.
[0104] FIG. 7A shows a state in which the feeding motor 165 has
operated by the first operation amount after the end of the
printing operation on the (n-1)-th label L. At this point, the
control unit 15 determines that the (n-1)-th label L has been
completed.
[0105] FIG. 7B shows a state in which the printing operation on the
n-th label L has been ended after the passage of the tape end E
through the printing position P1 in the middle of the printing
operation on the n-th label L. At this time, the tape end E has
passed through the printing position P1 but has not passed through
the detection position P4. In addition, since the tape end E has
passed through the printing position P1 in the middle of the
printing operation on the n-th label L, an error that printing on
the n-th label L becomes imperfect occurs in the n-th label L.
[0106] FIG. 7C shows a state in which the tape end E has passed
through the detection position P4 before the feeding motor 165
operates by the first operation amount after the end of the
printing operation on the n-th label L. At this time, since the
absence of the tape 21 is detected by the detection unit 14, the
control unit 15 determines that the tape 21 has been put into the
tape-end state. At this point, the feeding motor 165 has not
operated by the first operation amount, and thus the control unit
15 does not determine that the n-th label L has been completed.
[0107] FIG. 7D shows a state in which the creation of the labels L
has been resumed from the n-th label L. As described above, the
control unit 15 determines that the tape 21 has been put into the
tape-end state before determining the completion of the n-th label
L, i.e., in the tape-end detection period for the n-th label L. As
a result, the control unit 15 controls the label creation unit 16
to resume the creation of the labels L from the n-th label L when
resuming the creation of the labels L.
[0108] As described above, in the embodiment of the tape-end
detection control during the continuous printing without cutting,
it is determined that the tape 21 has been put into the tape-end
state in the tape-end detection period for the n-th label L when
the tape end E has passed through the printing position P1 but has
not passed through the detection position P4 at the point at which
the printing operation on the n-th label L is ended. As a result,
the creation of the labels L is resumed from the n-th label L.
Accordingly, in the embodiment, the n-th label L may not be created
again when an error that printing on the n-th label L becomes
imperfect occurs in the n-th label L because the tape end E has
passed through the printing position P1 in the middle of the
printing operation on the n-th label L.
[0109] In other words, in the embodiment, the detection unit 14
that detects the presence or absence of the tape 21 between the
pair of rollers 164, i.e., at the detection position P4 may detect
whether the tape end E has passed through the printing position P1
at the point at which the printing operation on the n-th label L is
ended.
[0110] Next, a description will be given of a comparative example
and an embodiment of the tape-end detection control during the
half-cut continuous printing. In the comparative example of the
tape-end detection control during the half-cut continuous printing,
the control unit 15 determines that the n-th label L has been
completed at a point at which the half-cut operation on the n-th
label is performed. Therefore, the control unit 15 starts a
tape-end detection period for the n-th label L at a point at which
the half-cut operation on the (n-1)-th label L is performed, and
ends the tape-end detection period for the n-th label L at the
point at which the half-cut operation on the n-th label L is
performed. Note that the half-cut operation on the n-th label L
refers to a half-cut operation for forming the half-cut lines H on
the tape 21 at the boundary between the n-th label L and the
(n+1)-th label L.
[0111] A description will be specifically given, with reference to
FIGS. 8A to 8D, of the comparative example of the tape-end
detection control during the half-cut continuous printing.
[0112] FIG. 8A shows a state in which the half-cut operation on the
(n-1)-th label L has been performed. At this point, the control
unit 15 determines that the (n-1)-th label L has been
completed.
[0113] FIG. 8B shows a state in which the half-cut operation on the
n-th label L has been performed after the passage of the tape end E
through the printing position P1 until the half-cut operation on
the n-th label L is performed since the end of the printing
operation on the n-th label L. At this point, the control unit 15
determines that the n-th label L has been completed. At this time,
the tape end E has passed through the printing position P1 but has
not passed through the detection position P4. In addition, the tape
end E has not passed through the printing position P1 at a point at
which the printing operation on the n-th label L is ended, and thus
the n-th label L is printed to the end. On the other hand, the tape
21 is fed only by the pair of rollers 164 after the tape end E has
passed through the printing position P1. Therefore, as described
above, the tape 21 is fed faster compared with a case in which the
tape 21 is fed in a state of extending between the platen roller 26
and the pair of rollers 164. As a result, an error that the
half-cut lines H are formed at a position deviated to the side of
the (n+1)-th label L from the boundary between the n-th label L and
the (n+1)-th label L occurs in the n-th label L. That is, a part
(tip end part) of the (n+1)-th label L is included in the n-th
label L.
[0114] FIG. 8C shows a state in which the tape end E has passed
through the detection position P4 after the half-cut operation on
the n-th label L is performed. At this time, since the absence of
the tape 21 is detected by the detection unit 14, the control unit
15 determines that the tape 21 has been put into the tape-end
state.
[0115] FIG. 8D shows a state in which the creation of the labels L
has been resumed from the (n+1)-th label L. As described above, the
control unit 15 determines that the tape 21 has been put into the
tape-end state after determining the completion of the n-th label
L, i.e., in a tape-end detection period for the (n+1)-th label L.
As a result, the control unit 15 controls the label creation unit
16 to resume the creation of the labels L from the (n+1)-th label L
when resuming the creation of the labels L.
[0116] As described above, in the comparative example of the
tape-end detection control during the half-cut continuous printing,
it is determined that the tape 21 has been put into the tape-end
state in the tape-end detection period for the (n+1)-th label L
when the tape end E has passed through the printing position P1 but
has not passed through the detection position P4 at the point at
which the half-cut operation on the n-th label L is performed. As a
result, the creation of the labels L is resumed from the (n+1)-th
label L. Accordingly, in the comparative example, the n-th label L
may not be created again when an error that the half-cut lines H
are deviated occurs in the n-th label L because the tape end E has
passed through the printing position P1 until the half-cut
operation on the n-th label L is performed since the end of the
printing operation on the n-th label L. In addition, in the
comparative example, the n-th label L may not be created again like
the comparative example of the tape-end detection control during
the continuous printing without cutting when an error that printing
on the n-th label L becomes imperfect occurs in the n-th label L
because the tape end E has passed through the printing position P1
in the middle of the printing operation on the n-th label L.
[0117] On the other hand, in the embodiment of the tape-end
detection control during the half-cut continuous printing, the
control unit 15 determines that the n-th label L has been completed
at a point at which the feeding motor 165 operates by the first
operation amount after the half-cut operation on the n-th label L
is performed. Therefore, the control unit 15 starts a tape-end
detection period for the n-th label L at the point at which the
feeding motor 165 operates by the first operation amount after the
half-cut operation on the (n-1)-th label L is performed, and ends
the tape-end detection period for the n-th label L at a point at
which the feeding motor 165 operates by the first operation amount
after the half-cut operation on the n-th label L is performed.
Here, the first operation amount corresponds to a substantial
operation amount of the feeding motor 165 required by the tape end
E to reach the detection position P4 when the tape end E has passed
through the printing position P1 but has not reached the detection
position P4 at a point at which the half-cut operation is
performed.
[0118] A description will be specifically given, with reference to
FIGS. 9A to 9D, of the embodiment of the tape-end detection control
during the half-cut continuous printing.
[0119] FIG. 9A shows a state in which the feeding motor 165 has
operated by the first operation amount after the end of the
half-cut operation on the (n-1)-th label L. At this point, the
control unit 15 determines that the (n-1)-th label L has been
completed.
[0120] FIG. 9B shows a state in which the half-cut operation on the
n-th label L has been performed after the passage of the tape end E
through the printing position P1 until the half-cut operation on
the n-th label L is performed since the end of the printing
operation on the n-th label L. At this time, the tape end E has
passed through the printing position P1 but has not passed through
the detection position P4. In addition, the tape end E has not
passed through the printing position P1 at a point at which the
printing operation on the n-th label L is ended, and thus the n-th
label L is printed to the end. On the other hand, the tape 21 is
fed only by the pair of rollers 164 after the tape end E has passed
through the printing position P1. As a result, an error that the
half-cut lines H are formed at a position deviated to the side of
the (n+1)-th label L from the boundary between the n-th label L and
the (n+1)-th label L occurs in the n-th label L.
[0121] FIG. 9C shows a state in which the tape end E has passed
through the detection position P4 before the feeding motor 165
operates by the first operation amount after the end of the
half-cut operation on the n-th label L. At this time, since the
absence of the tape 21 is detected by the detection unit 14, the
control unit 15 determines that the tape 21 has been put into the
tape-end state. At this point, the feeding motor 165 has not
operated by the first operation amount, and thus the control unit
15 does not determine that the n-th label L has been completed.
[0122] FIG. 9D shows a state in which the creation of the labels L
has been resumed from the n-th label L. As described above, the
control unit 15 determines that the tape 21 has been put into the
tape-end state before determining the completion of the n-th label
L, i.e., in the tape-end detection period for the n-th label L. As
a result, the control unit 15 controls the label creation unit 16
to resume the creation of the labels L from the n-th label L when
resuming the creation of the labels L.
[0123] As described above, in the embodiment of the tape-end
detection control during the half-cut continuous printing, it is
determined that the tape 21 has been put into the tape-end state in
the tape-end detection period for the n-th label L when the tape
end E has passed through the printing position P1 but has not
passed through the detection position P4 at the point at which the
half-cut operation on the n-th label L is performed. As a result,
the creation of the labels L is resumed from the n-th label L.
Accordingly, in the embodiment, the n-th label L may be created
again when an error that the half-cut lines H are deviated occurs
in the n-th label L because the tape end E has passed through the
printing position P1 until the half-cut operation on the n-th label
L is performed since the end of the printing operation on the n-th
label L. In addition, in the embodiment, the n-th label L may be
created again like the embodiment of the tape-end detection control
during the continuous printing without cutting when an error that
printing on the n-th label L becomes imperfect occurs in the n-th
label L because the tape end E has passed through the printing
position P1 in the middle of the printing operation on the n-th
label L.
[0124] In other words, in the embodiment, the detection unit 14
that detects the presence or absence of the tape 21 between the
pair of rollers 164, i.e., at the detection position P4 may detect
whether the passage of the tape end E has passed through the
printing position P1 at the point at which the half-cut operation
on the n-th label L is ended.
[0125] Next, a description will be given of a comparative example
and an embodiment of the tape-end detection control during the
full-cut continuous printing. In the comparative example of the
tape-end detection control during the full-cut continuous printing,
the control unit 15 determines that the n-th label L has been
completed at a point at which the full-cut operation on the n-th
label is performed. Therefore, the control unit 15 starts a
tape-end detection period for the n-th label L at a point at which
the full-cut operation on the (n-1)-th label L is performed, and
ends the tape-end detection period for the n-th label L at the
point at which the full-cut operation on the n-th label L is
performed. Note that the full-cut operation on the n-th label L
refers to a full-cut operation for cutting off the tape 21 at the
boundary between the n-th label L and the (n+1)-th label L.
[0126] A description will be specifically given, with reference to
FIGS. 10A to 10D, of the comparative example of the tape-end
detection control during the full-cut continuous printing.
[0127] FIG. 10A shows a state in which the full-cut operation on
the (n-1)-th label L has been performed. At this point, the control
unit 15 determines that the (n-1)-th label L has been
completed.
[0128] FIG. 10B shows a state in which the full-cut operation on
the n-th label L has been performed after the passage of the tape
end E through the printing position P1 until the full-cut operation
on the n-th label L is performed since the end of the printing
operation on the n-th label L. At this point, the control unit 15
determines that the n-th label L has been completed. At this time,
the tape end E has passed through the printing position P1 but has
not passed through the detection position P4. In addition, the tape
end E has not passed through the printing position P1 at a point at
which the printing operation on the n-th label L is ended, and thus
the n-th label L is printed to the end. On the other hand, the tape
21 is fed only by the pair of rollers 164 after the tape end E has
passed through the printing position P1. Therefore, as described
above, the tape 21 is fed faster compared with a case in which the
tape 21 is fed in a state of extending between the platen roller 26
and the pair of rollers 164. As a result, an error that the tape 21
is cut off at a position deviated to the side of the (n+1)-th label
L from the boundary between the n-th label L and the (n+1)-th label
L occurs in the n-th label L. That is, a part (tip end part) of the
(n+1)-th label L is included in the n-th label L.
[0129] FIG. 10C shows a state in which the feeding motor 165 has
operated by the second operation amount after the full-cut
operation on the n-th label L is performed. At this time, the tape
end E has passed through the printing position P1, and thus the
(n+1)-th label L is not fed any more. Therefore, since the presence
of the tape 21 is not detected by the detection unit 14, the
control unit 15 determines that the tape 21 has been put into the
tape-end state.
[0130] FIG. 10D shows a state in which the creation of the labels L
has been resumed from the (n+1)-th label L. As described above, the
control unit 15 determines that the tape 21 has been put into the
tape-end state after determining the completion of the n-th label
L, i.e., in a tape-end detection period for the (n+1)-th label L.
As a result, the control unit 15 controls the label creation unit
16 to resume the creation of the labels L from the (n+1)-th label L
when resuming the creation of the labels L.
[0131] As described above, in the comparative example of the
tape-end detection control during the full-cut continuous printing,
it is determined that the tape 21 has been put into the tape-end
state in the tape-end detection period for the (n+1)-th label L
when the tape end E has passed through the printing position P1 but
has not passed through the detection position P4 at the point at
which the full-cut operation on the n-th label L is performed. As a
result, the creation of the labels L is resumed from the (n+1)-th
label L. Accordingly, in the comparative example, the n-th label L
may not be created again when an error that a cutting part is
deviated occurs in the n-th label L because the tape end E has
passed through the printing position P1 until the full-cut
operation on the n-th label L is performed since the end of the
printing operation on the n-th label L. In addition, in the
comparative example, the n-th label L may not be created again like
the comparative example of the tape-end detection control during
the continuous printing without cutting when an error that printing
on the n-th label L becomes imperfect occurs in the n-th label L
because the tape end E has passed through the printing position P1
in the middle of the printing operation on the n-th label L.
[0132] On the other hand, in the embodiment of the tape-end
detection control during the full-cut continuous printing, the
control unit 15 determines that the n-th label L has been completed
at a point at which the presence of the tape 21 between the pair of
rollers 164 is detected by the detection unit 14 until the feeding
motor 165 operates by the second operation amount after the
full-cut operation on the n-th label L is performed. Therefore, the
control unit 15 starts a tape-end detection period for the n-th
label L at the point at which the presence of the tape 21 between
the pair of rollers 164 is detected by the detection unit 14 until
the feeding motor 165 operates by the second operation amount after
the full-cut operation on the (n-1)-th label L is performed. In
addition, the control unit 15 ends the tape-end detection period
for the n-th label L at a point at which the presence of the tape
21 between the pair of rollers 164 is detected by the detection
unit 14 until the feeding motor 165 operates by the second
operation amount after the full-cut operation on the n-th label L
is performed.
[0133] A description will be specifically given, with reference to
FIGS. 11A to 11D, of the embodiment of the tape-end detection
control during the full-cut continuous printing.
[0134] FIG. 11A shows a state in which the feeding motor 165 has
operated by the second operation amount after the full-cut
operation on the (n-1)-th label L is performed. At this point, the
presence of the tape 21 between the pair of rollers 164 is detected
by the detection unit 14. Therefore, the control unit 15 determines
that the (n-1)-th label L has been completed.
[0135] FIG. 11B shows a state in which the full-cut operation on
the n-th label L has been performed after the passage of the tape
end E through the printing position P1 until the full-cut operation
on the n-th label L is performed since the end of the printing
operation on the n-th label L. At this time, the tape end E has
passed through the printing position P1 but has not passed through
the detection position P4. In addition, the tape end E has not
passed through the printing position P1 at a point at which the
printing operation on the n-th label L is ended, and thus the n-th
label L is printed to the end. On the other hand, the tape 21 is
fed only by the pair of rollers 164 after the tape end E has passed
through the printing position P1. As a result, an error that the
tape 21 is cut off at a position deviated to the side of the
(n+1)-th label L from the boundary between the n-th label L and the
(n+1)-th label L occurs in the n-th label L.
[0136] FIG. 11C shows a state in which the feeding motor 165 has
operated by the second operation amount after the full-cut
operation on the n-th label L is performed. At this time, the tape
end E has passed through the printing position P1, and thus the
(n+1)-th label L is not fed any more. Therefore, since the presence
of the tape 21 is not detected by the detection unit 14, the
control unit 15 determines that the tape 21 has been put into the
tape-end state. At this point, the presence of the tape 21 is not
detected by the detection unit 14, and thus the control unit 15
does not determine that the n-th label L has been completed.
[0137] FIG. 11D shows a state in which the creation of the labels L
has been resumed from the n-th label L. As described above, the
control unit 15 determines that the tape 21 has been put into the
tape-end state before determining the completion of the n-th label
L, i.e., in the tape-end detection period for the n-th label L. As
a result, the control unit 15 controls the label creation unit 16
to resume the creation of the labels L from the n-th label L when
resuming the creation of the labels L.
[0138] As described above, in the embodiment of the tape-end
detection control during the full-cut continuous printing, it is
determined that the tape 21 has been put into the tape-end state in
the tape-end detection period for the n-th label L when the tape
end E has passed through the printing position P1 but has not
passed through the detection position P4 at the point at which the
full-cut operation on the n-th label L is performed. As a result,
the creation of the labels L is resumed from the n-th label L.
Accordingly, in the embodiment, the n-th label L may be created
again when an error that a cutting part by the full cutter 167 is
deviated occurs in the n-th label L because the tape end E has
passed through the printing position P1 until the full-cut
operation on the n-th label L is performed since the end of the
printing operation on the n-th label L. In addition, in the
embodiment, the n-th label L may be created again like the
embodiment of the tape-end detection control during the continuous
printing without cutting when an error that printing on the n-th
label L becomes imperfect occurs in the n-th label L because the
tape end E has passed through the printing position P1 in the
middle of the printing operation on the n-th label L.
[0139] In other words, in the embodiment, the detection unit 14
that detects the presence or absence of the tape 21 between the
pair of rollers 164, i.e., at the detection position P4 may detect
whether the tape end E has passed through the printing position P1
at the point at which the full-cut operation on the n-th label L is
ended.
[0140] As described above, the label creation apparatus 1 according
to the embodiment includes the label creation unit 16, the
detection unit 14, and the control unit 15. The label creation unit
16 includes the print head 161 and the feeding motor 165. The print
head 161 performs printing on the tape 21 at the printing position
P1. The feeding motor 165 drives the platen roller 26 and the pair
of rollers 164. The detection unit 14 detects the presence or
absence of the tape 21 at the detection position P4. The control
unit 15 controls, during the continuous printing, the label
creation unit 16 to resume the creation of the labels L from the
n-th label L when determining that the tape 21 has been put into
the tape-end state based on a detection result of the detection
unit 14 in the tape-end detection period for the n-th label L. In
addition, the control unit 15 determines that the n-th label L has
been completed when the feeding motor 165 operates by a prescribed
amount after the end of the operation of creating the n-th label
L.
[0141] According to the configuration, even when it is not
determined by the control unit 15 that the tape 21 has been put
into the tape-end state although the tape has been put into the
tape-end state at a point at which the operation of creating the
n-th label L is ended, it can be determined by the control unit 15
that the tape 21 has been put into the tape-end state until the
feeding motor 165 operates by a prescribed amount, i.e., before it
is determined by the control unit 15 that the n-th label has been
completed. As a result, the creation of the labels L is started
from the n-th label L. Thus, according to the embodiment, the n-th
label L can be created again when the n-th label L becomes
imperfect due to the tape 21 put into the tape-end state in the
middle of the operation of creating the n-th label L.
[0142] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above
embodiment but is capable of employing various configurations
without departing from its spirit. For example, the embodiment can
be modified into the following modes.
[0143] The detection unit 14 may detect the presence or absence of
the tape 21 between the pair of rollers 164 by detecting the
presence or absence of the energization between the pair of rollers
164. Moreover, the detection unit 14 may detect the presence or
absence of the tape 21 by a photointerrupter provided on the
downstream side of the printing position P1. Note that the
photointerrupter may be provided on the upstream side or the
downstream side of the pair of rollers 164 in this case but is
preferably provided at the same place as or on the upstream side of
the pair of rollers 164 so that the tape end E reliably passes
through the detection position P4.
[0144] In addition, the label creation apparatus 1 includes the
feeding motor 165 common to the platen roller 26 and the pair of
rollers 164 as a driving unit that drives the platen roller 26 and
the pair of rollers 164, but may include two separate motors, i.e.,
a motor that drives the platen roller 26 and a motor that drives
the pair of rollers 164. Of course, any driving source other than
motors is available.
EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS
[0145] 1: label creation apparatus [0146] 14: detection unit [0147]
15: control unit [0148] 16: label creation unit [0149] 21: tape
[0150] 26: platen roller [0151] 161: print head [0152] 164: pair of
rollers [0153] 165: feeding motor [0154] E: tape end [0155] L:
label [0156] P1: printing position [0157] P4: detection
position
* * * * *